Consumer Traveler Today: May 5

Consumer Traveler Today: Interactive oil spill map tracks spread of gulf oil slick
 
Interactive oil spill map tracks spread of gulf oil slick
DOT stands with consumers in landmark Delta/USAir take-off/landing ruling
What we’re reading: Airbus’ $25 billion write-off, NTSB’s safety recommendations, Las Vegas on the rebound
Some European airports still closing because of volcanic ash clouds
Avis counters the Hertz bid for Dollar/Thrifty
Unbundled airfares — now unbundled hotels. How do you feel about paying for a towel?
Interactive oil spill map tracks spread of gulf oil slick
Posted: 06 May 2010 06:03 AM PDT
Recently, I have received a collection of emails from travelers planning trips to the Gulf of Mexico area. They all want to know whether their beaches will be fouled by the spreading oil slick. Here is an interactive oil slick map that will show where oil has come ashore and other environmental effects of the [...]
       

DOT stands with consumers in landmark Delta/USAir take-off/landing ruling
Posted: 06 May 2010 03:01 AM PDT
The DOT decision, in terms of the airline world, is dramatic. It is turning back decades of precedent and taking back control of the air transportation grid that had been relinquished to the airlines over time.
       

What we’re reading: Airbus’ $25 billion write-off, NTSB’s safety recommendations, Las Vegas on the rebound
Posted: 06 May 2010 01:49 AM PDT
Airbus orders going slowly, NTSB recommends life vests on all planes and bird resistant engines, Las Vegas sees signs of gambling and business comeback
       

Some European airports still closing because of volcanic ash clouds
Posted: 05 May 2010 08:30 AM PDT
Though volcanic ash is no longer seen splashed across the front pages of newspapers in the U.S.A. it is still having major repercussions in Europe, especially in the northern latitudes
       

Avis counters the Hertz bid for Dollar/Thrifty
Posted: 05 May 2010 07:30 AM PDT
Last week we wrote about the Hertz bid for Dollar/Thrifty Rent a Car. This week Dollar/Thrifty are examining another bid for their company from Avis who apparently had been dragging their feet on a deal, until the Hertz loomed on the financial horizon.
       

Unbundled airfares — now unbundled hotels. How do you feel about paying for a towel?
Posted: 05 May 2010 06:30 AM PDT
As airlines continue to unbundle their airfares, it's hard to believe that just a few short years ago, we thought a no-frills airline was one that just served snacks and didn't pre-assign seats. Now, hotels are increasingly emulating the "pay for everything" model.